The ATF is working with Chicago police to track down the guns before they’re used in any crimes. But some, including community activist Andrew Holmes, are wondering why it took so long for the public to find out about the missing weapons.

“We can’t release everything to the public right away. We have to follow up on leads, conduct interviews,” the ATF’s Tom Ahern said. “Now that it is public, we want the public’s help.”

Authorities don’t know if the thieves tracked down the weapons or whether they stumbled upon them.